How to Identify Blue Catfish

To identify Blue Catfish (Arius graeffei), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically dark grey to bluish-grey, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are often dusky or dark.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Three pairs of barbels: one maxillary pair and two mandibular pairs. The maxillary barbels are long, extending beyond the pectoral fin base., A prominent, venomous spine at the leading edge of the dorsal fin and each pectoral fin., A well-developed adipose fin., Large, deeply forked caudal fin.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and 7 soft rays, followed by a prominent adipose fin.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins with a strong, serrated spine and 10-11 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Adipose fin present and well-developed.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Barbels

   Observe the three pairs of barbels; the maxillary barbels are notably long, extending past the pectoral fin base.

2. 2

   Adipose Fin

   Presence of a distinct, well-developed adipose fin behind the dorsal fin.

3. 3

   Dorsal and Pectoral Spines

   Note the strong, serrated spines at the front of the dorsal and pectoral fins. These are venomous.

4. 4

   Caudal Fin

   The tail fin is deeply forked, a characteristic feature among Ariidae.

5. 5

   Coloration

   The bluish-grey to dark grey dorsal coloration fading to a silvery-white belly is typical.

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